[Improved sternotomy closure with polyester tapes and conventional wires].

In the purpose of reducing the occurrence of postoperative sternal dehiscence, improved technique of closure with supplemental use of polyester tapes was performed. To add to the conventional closure with wires, two polyester tapes were used around the body of sternum through the intercostal spaces just before approximation of sternum. The sternum was firmly fixed at the body and the tapes will prevent cut sternum by the wires and disruption of the wires themselves. In our series of recent 155 cases with this technique of closure, no sternal dehiscence occurred.